Alkixen

Indications

Crizotinib is a targeted cancer medicine used to treat advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumour cells have a change in the ALK or ROS1 gene, confirmed by a laboratory test. In some countries it is also used for certain other ALK-positive tumours.

How It Works

Crizotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. In some cancers, abnormal ALK, ROS1 or MET proteins send constant growth signals that make cancer cells multiply. Crizotinib blocks these proteins, slowing or stopping the growth of the cancer.

Dosage and Administration

Take exactly as prescribed by your cancer specialist. Capsules are usually taken twice a day, about 12 hours apart, with or without food. Swallow them whole; do not crush, dissolve or open them. The dose may be reduced or paused if side effects occur. Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.

Interactions

• Ketoconazole, Clarithromycin, Ritonavir and grapefruit can raise Crizotinib levels.
• Rifampicin, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin and St John's Wort can lower its effect.
• Medicines that slow the heart or prolong the QT interval (such as Beta-blockers, Digoxin, Amiodarone, some antipsychotics and antibiotics) increase heart rhythm risks.
• It can raise levels of some other medicines, such as Midazolam and Ciclosporin.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Crizotinib.
• Severe liver impairment (generally not recommended).

Side Effects

Common side effects include vision changes (flashes of light, blurred or double vision, especially in dim light), nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation, swelling of the hands and feet, tiredness, loss of appetite, dizziness, slow heartbeat, raised liver enzymes and low blood counts.

Get urgent medical help if you have new or worsening cough, breathlessness or fever (possible lung inflammation), yellow skin or eyes or dark urine, fainting, a very slow or irregular heartbeat, sudden loss of vision, or signs of infection.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Crizotinib may harm an unborn baby. Women should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 90 days after the last dose; men with partners who could become pregnant should also use contraception. Do not breastfeed during treatment.

Precautions and Warnings

• Liver blood tests, blood counts, heart rate and ECG are checked regularly.
• Vision problems can affect driving, especially at night; do not drive if affected.
• Tell your doctor about heart, liver or kidney disease.

Overdose

There is limited experience with overdose. Contact a doctor or hospital immediately; treatment is supportive with heart and liver monitoring.

Therapeutic Class

Antineoplastic (targeted cancer therapy), ALK and ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.